A celebration of Hyde to shine spotlight on town’s past, present and future

Hyde will take centre stage in September as the community gathers for A Celebration of Hyde, a major civic event honouring the town’s history while looking ahead to its future.

The celebration takes place on Saturday, 20 September 2025 at 3.00pm at Hyde Central Railway Station, Great Norbury Street (SK14 1AA), with the Mayor of Tameside officially opening proceedings.

Hosted on the station forecourt and platforms, the gathering will bring together residents, visitors and dignitaries to recognise Hyde’s proud railway heritage, industrial achievements and diverse social legacy, alongside unveiling new projects that mark the town’s regeneration.

The event will feature three key milestones:

• Heritage Interpretation Panels – Twenty permanent displays on Platform 1 will be unveiled, showcasing Hyde’s railway, industrial and social history. Designed by Oceros of the Rhino Group, Hyde, the panels aim to give both residents and visitors a deeper connection to the town’s past. Children attending can also collect free gifts at the Thomas the Tank Engine image board on the same platform, staffed by volunteers.
• Period Re-enactors – Performers in authentic Victorian railway uniforms will bring history to life, offering a glimpse into daily life during the town’s industrial heyday.
• LED Wayfinding Lighting System – A modern new feature to improve safety, accessibility and ambience along the key route between Hyde town centre and the station will be officially switched on.
• The Steel and Cotton Trail – Councillor Peter Robinson, Chair of the South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership, will introduce the Romiley-to-Hyde section of this new Sheffield to Manchester leisure cycling and walking trail. Leaflets about the route will be available to take away.

Volunteer marshals will be on hand to guide visitors. Platform 1 is accessible via steps, while Platform 2 offers sloped access for those with mobility needs. Organisers remind families that children must be accompanied by an adult, and all attendees are asked to be mindful of regular rail passengers.

The event is funded by the Community Rail Development Fund, in partnership with the Hyde Accelerator Delivery Group and the UK Government, with support from Hyde Together CIC, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and Northern Trains.